Ipsy is a monthly beauty and makeup subscription box. For $14 per month, you get five full-sized or deluxe-sized products, plus a cute makeup bag.
This is one of our top recommendations if you are looking for a subscription box — the value and sample sizes are amazing. Just like Birchbox, Ipsy sends out many different variations of their bag each month — so my review is just one of the bag variations you might receive!
My Subscription Addiction pays for this subscription. (Check out our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes).
First Impressions
Each month, Ipsy subscribers get a makeup bag in addition to their items. This month’s theme, ‘Main Character Energy,’ definitely brought on the bold, and I’m here for it. The vibrant hot pink of the makeup bag is eye-catching on its own, but the real star is the etched strawberry zipper pull, which adds such a fun touch. (Though I’ll admit, the pink had me thinking ‘watermelon’ at first glance!) Either way, it’s adorbs and feels perfectly suited for the warmer months ahead. Ipsy’s makeup bags had lost a bit of their charm for a minute there, but they seem to be back on track. I love that the pouches are once again thoughtfully themed and designed to be something you can look forward to.
Included is a product card that features a list of the products and beauty tips.
Now, on to the items!
GLOSS MODERNE Clean Luxury Eye Elixir, 5 ml - Retail Value $65.00
There’s something so satisfying about discovering a new-to-me brand that gets it right, and Gloss Moderne’s Clean Luxury Eye Elixir has definitely hit the mark. I hadn’t heard of this brand before, but I was immediately drawn to the sleek, minimalist packaging, and wow, the formula really backed it up. This water-based eye cream feels refreshingly lightweight, absorbing quickly into the delicate skin of my under eyes without any greasiness or tackiness. What I really appreciate about this product is that it’s fully eye-safe, so I could comfortably apply it not only under my eyes but also along the brow bone, an area I’m definitely guilty of neglecting in regard to hydration. It left my under eye area feeling nourished and smooth to the touch. A subtle but solid addition to my skincare routine.
BALANCE ME BHA Exfoliating Concentrate, 25 ml - Estimated Value $5.83
I’ve had success with Balance Me’s BHA Exfoliating Concentrate in the past, and seeing it in this month’s bag felt like reconnecting with an old friend. This formula uses willow bark extract, which is a natural source of salicylic acid, to gently unclog pores and fight blemishes. While it can be a bit drying if overused (especially for those of us with sensitive skin), I’ve found it works beautifully as a spot treatment. I like dabbing a bit on my t-zone or directly on any active breakouts, and it helps calm things down without being too harsh. I definitely wouldn’t recommend slathering it all over unless your skin can handle it without issue, but as a targeted treatment, it’s a solid go-to. Bonus points for being cruelty-free! It’s clearly stated right on the back of the bottle, which both I am and my rescue bunny truly appreciate.
E.L.F. COSMETICS Brow Laminating Gel, 7.8 g - Retail Value $8.00
I’ve been a fan of E.L.F. Cosmetics for years, and their Brow Laminating Gel is exactly the kind of affordable gem that reminds me why. The clear gel formula is ideal during the warmer months when tinted brow products tend to smudge or shift (at least for me personally). But this one holds everything in place without adding unnecessary color or weight. I especially appreciate the 3-in-1 applicator, which makes it super easy to swipe on, comb through, and sculpt my brows just how I want them, whether a fluffy natural look or something more defined. The product is also vegan and cruelty-free, which always earns extra points in my books. Overall, it’s a quick, reliable fix for polished brows, perfect for those no-makeup days or just keeping it together in the heat.
MARC ANTHONY Grow Long Scalp and Hair Serum, 15 ml - Estimated Value $2.50
For me, finding the right kind of hair serum can sometimes be a challenge. This Marc Anthony Grow Long Scalp and Hair Serum ticked a lot of the boxes for me right away. The scent is light, summery, and fresh without being overpowering, and the texture is perfect for soothing my scalp and caring for my edges. I’ve been using it for both my pre- and post-protective styles, and I love how easily it absorbs without any tingling or discomfort (a nice change from the peppermint-packed serums I’ve used in the past). The formula is infused with caffeine, ginseng, and rosemary oil to help reduce breakage and promote stronger, longer hair, which I’m excited to track over time. Plus, the easy-to-use dropper packaging makes applying a breeze. So far it feels like a solid addition to my haircare lineup.
WHATS UP BEAUTY Mini Posytivity Lightweight Hydrating Face Primer, 10 ml - Estimated Value $10.00
This Whats Up Beauty Mini Posytivity Lightweight Hydrating Face Primer has really impressed me. The gel-based texture feels instantly cooling on application, like a splash of water to your face, and it absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving behind a smooth, almost matte finish that works well under makeup. I’ve been using it on those no-makeup days too, and it works beautifully as a standalone hydrator. Definitely give it a few seconds to fully dry down before layering other products to avoid any pilling. I also appreciated that there’s no strange or chemical-y scent, and the sample size is generous enough to get a true feel for how it performs over time. Lightweight, refreshing, and non-greasy, all of which make this another warm-weather win for me.
The Verdict
This was a fun, well-rounded month for Ipsy Glam Bag, with a thoughtful blend of skincare, haircare, and makeup staples! The Gloss Moderne eye cream was a standout for me. It’s rare to find an eye cream that’s both lightweight and full eye-safe, but this one nailed it with its fast-absorbing, water-based formula. I also really enjoyed using Balance Me’s concentrate, which I’ve had before and still love for targeted spot treatment; it’s gentle but effective, and ideal for keeping my t-zone in check. For brows, the E.L.F. cosmetics clear gel delivered exactly what I needed: a clear formula with a smart 3-in-1 applicator that makes styling and application flawless. Marc Anthony’s hair serum smells amazing and feels hydrating, which is great for caring for my edges in between protective styles. Lastly, the hydrating primer from Whats Up Beauty was another pleasant surprise. It’s cooling gel texture and matte finish made it a great under-makeup option or even a solo wear on warmer days. Overall, this month’s bag felt polished, practical, and refreshingly seasonal.
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!
Value – Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost: $14
Value Breakdown:
- Eye Elixir: $65.00
- Concentrate: $5.83
- Brow Gel: $8.00
- Hair Serum: $2.50
- Face Primer: $10.00
The total retail value of these five items adds up to about $91.33, which is an amazing value for a $14 box.
Other Things You Should Know
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, but sign up to receive the May 2025 bag while stocks last.
What do you think of the March 2025 Ipsy Glam Bag?
Please do not enter your email address in the Name field or in the comment content. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Remember to post with kindness and respect. Comments with offensive language, cruelness to others, etc will not be approved. See our full comment policy here.